I have a 2015 with less than 50,000 miles on it. I could feel the shock failing and sure enough when I had a look, it's spewing its vital fluids all over the place. It is the electronically adjustable type. I dread pricing a replacement from Yamaha, are there aftermarket alternatives out there? I have an Ohlins on my Gen 2 2008 and I love it, is it feasible to remove the electronics and fit a 'dumb' shock? Is it repairable? I think this is gonna hurt!
Gen 3 shock replacement
- Thread starter Biquer
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BigOgre
Well-known member
Euro? Ouch. Sorry you have to go through this.
I don't get around much but this is the first I'm hearing about an ES suspension failing. Any clue as what might have caused it?
I don't get around much but this is the first I'm hearing about an ES suspension failing. Any clue as what might have caused it?
No idea what happened, just normal use, I've never had a pillion on it, I was on a 2 day trip picking up Photo Rally pictures and I could feel it starting to lose damping and start pogoing around. Sure enough when I had a peek under it was soaked. I'm sure the mounting points are the same as Gen2, they didn't change the frame, I could live without the electronics and put a plain shock in, but will that affect other systems?
mcatrophy
Privileged to ride a 2018 FJR1300AS
I had one fail on my 2014. Was taking the bike in to the dealers as I was picking up my 2018.
To cut the story short, he told me that he got it rebuilt before putting the bike up for sale, at a reasonable cost.
I've no idea where he had it done, all I can say is that it is possible.
To cut the story short, he told me that he got it rebuilt before putting the bike up for sale, at a reasonable cost.
I've no idea where he had it done, all I can say is that it is possible.
allrider
eat, sleep, ride, repeat
I would search ebay and insurance auction sites. Insurance totaled my 14ES last year for heavy cosmetic damage but things like suspension were untouched. Wish i knew where it is now. Only had 30k on it.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
If you're still considering going aftermarket, I've got some ideas how to bypass the ES components and not throw codes. Shoot me a PM if you are interested.
~G
~G
RossKean
Well-known member
I did a quick search for places who repair Electronic Adjustable shocks and the following came up right away. I'm sure there are more. Probably worth some investigation (and quotes) to see if this is worth trying...
ESA Repair – ESA Repair, professionals in the field of shock absorbers
ESA Repair – ESA Repair, professionals in the field of shock absorbers
I found a guy locally who's a specialist, he said there are 2 different shocks used and that one of them is rebuildable and one is not. I'm sending him some photos tomorrow and he'll tell me which type I have.
RossKean
Well-known member
If he says yours isn't rebuildable, I would seek a second opinion. With almost $4000 at stake, it is worth making SURE.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
If you can find a reputable shop, rebuilding makes the most sense. PM replied to.
~G
~G
Update.
Whilst Yamaha clearly stated that the shock is not serviceable, some independents say differently. My local shock specialist said he couldn't do it as it doesn't have a gassing port, however a Dutch company called Esarepair say that they are the only company that has developed a way of doing this. So I'm going to give them a go. I have the shock out and I was about to install the Ohlins from my gen2 to see if it can be done, I may still do that.
Whilst Yamaha clearly stated that the shock is not serviceable, some independents say differently. My local shock specialist said he couldn't do it as it doesn't have a gassing port, however a Dutch company called Esarepair say that they are the only company that has developed a way of doing this. So I'm going to give them a go. I have the shock out and I was about to install the Ohlins from my gen2 to see if it can be done, I may still do that.
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Fingers crossed Esarepair can pull off the rebuild. Provided they have a method to recharge N2, then it's just rubber seals...and likely new shaft seal and maybe wiper. Simple fix.
Good luck and keep us in the loop on the outcome.
~G
Good luck and keep us in the loop on the outcome.
~G
CraigRegs
Well-known member
I may have to research shipping costs to the Netherlands and back. Probably less than $3700.
Panman
Well-known member
I tried sending my Ohlins to New Zealand and it got sent back after about three months it seems. It wouldn't go air freight as it has oil in it.
I am taking an ES shock(obtained from Prestone on a warranty replacement) up to Cogent Dynamics in Fletcher, NC to see if they can rebuild the assembly that only has 16k on it. Shock is ok, there is a leak somewhere else in the system that needs attention. I think it is the wiring plug on the actuator that is leaking, not sure. They have never looked at an FJR ES shock, but it is worth the 40 mile ride for me through the foothills to take it up to them.
The shock on my ES has about 148k and seems to be ok, at least for me.
The shock on my ES has about 148k and seems to be ok, at least for me.
The shock has gone to ESArepair, thanks to RossKean for the tip. They claim a 5 working day turnaround, watch this space.
Word to the wise, removing an electronic shock is NOT the same as removing a standard shock, they basically have shoehorned a load of stuff into a space that was never designed for it, there's nothing left on the bike from the tank back except the ABS unit and the frame!
Word to the wise, removing an electronic shock is NOT the same as removing a standard shock, they basically have shoehorned a load of stuff into a space that was never designed for it, there's nothing left on the bike from the tank back except the ABS unit and the frame!
RossKean
Well-known member
escapefjrtist
Searching for Dry Roads
Still have fingers crossed for you Biquer! And yes, removing an ES shock is not a quick proposition.
~G
~G
